Thread: off camera flash

Flash should have two squares in the top left of the LCD reading TTL and BL
If high speed sync is enabled then a third square FP will also display (don't think this is a D80 option).

Camera should be set to Auto Front Curtain sync. Flash sync should be between 1/60 and 1/200 second.

Read the D80 manual on how to set up commander mode flash and try the flash as a wireless unit triggered by the camera flash. If this works and you can get auto sync of 1/200 then there has to be an issue with the cable.

Check the contacts on the bottom of the flash and compare these to the contacts on the cable and see if they all match.

Originally Posted by matbor

Why aren't you using it wireless anyway The D80 and SB800 work fine in most situations without a cable.

Originally Posted by dullbird

because bunging on a cable for the moment while getting used to using it at angles seems so much easier..

I know I'm lazy

The Nikon Creative Lighting System is something the other camera manufacturers don't have, although I think the latest generation of Canon speedlights my be getting there. The only other way to do what it does is use add on wireless units to camera and flashes. There are still times where a tethered flash is useful but when you really need the light off camera CLS is incredibly versitile. On the D200/300/700 and D70/80/90 models this means when you buy an SB600/R200/800/900 you have a built in flash and an off camera unit to work with. On the D2/D3 bodies you need to buy an SU-800 remote or use an SB-900 on camera and this simplifies things further as you no longer need to go to the camera's menu to change settings, it's all done on the unit.

This DVD - A Hands-on Guide to Creative Lighting - is a really great tutorial on using the Nikon CLS and in using the SB800 and SB900. It really opened my eyes to what to consider when using a speedlight.

hey I just started to have a play with my camera while reading what you wrote DMD

and I got it working....WoooooHooooooo

I can only assume I never quite had it on right last time for the contacts to be in the right place.

Now your probably going to laugh at the pics as I went out side in the pitch black to try it out.

so forgive them if they are not sharp enough for you its not easy to get focus on an object in the pitch black the pictures below are untouched, only thing done is exported to photobucket

Check your white balance it's a little warm on a couple of them (first and last).

its just on auto...

probable got more to do with the camera being on vivid....and both subjects being yellow

The yellow won't help but I'd try taking both shots on flash rather than auto WB. Also consider any ambient light eg from a fluro or spotlight source nearby as this would also help give an increase in warmth on auto.

Something to try, set WB to tungsten and take a picture of the bin lid again.

Ok I will try that tomorrow night to tired to put me shoes back on now